The international mixology competition The Bartenders Society, presented by Marie Brizard and Saint James and co-organised with BLMHD, returns on 25 and 26 October 2026 for its 11th edition. Every year, the event celebrates the creativity, boldness and expertise of bartenders from around the world.
For the first time in its history, the international final will take place in Bordeaux, the city where Marie Brizard was founded. This symbolic event will bring together the best bartenders from 17 countries around a theme closely linked to the house’s identity: “A Journey Through Spices.”
Since its launch, The Bartenders Society has established itself as a significant event on the international cocktail scene. It serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration, where the competition showcases the diversity of bartending cultures, encourages emerging talent and celebrates excellence in the spirits and ingredients that shape modern mixology.
An Event with an Expanded International Presence returns to Bordeaux
The 2026 competition brings together 17 countries: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Martinique, Belgium, Germany and Brazil. This year’s participating countries also include Australia, Taiwan, Argentina, Morocco and Canada.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance, as the international final will take place in Bordeaux, the birthplace of Marie Brizard. The event highlights the brand’s heritage and expertise in liqueur production, as well as its blending craftsmanship, which dates back to 1755.
On 25 and 26 October 2026, Bordeaux will provide the setting for an international final where tradition, creativity and innovation meet excellence in cocktail making.
“A Journey Through Spices”: A Theme Rooted in the House’s Heritage
The 2026 theme directly reflects Marie Brizard’s historic expertise in the extraction, concentration and preservation of fruit and spice aromas. This distinctive know-how remains a key element of the brand’s identity today.
The theme invites bartenders from around the world to create original compositions, combining culinary traditions, spices from across the globe and mixology techniques.
